Welder - Wire Process Operator

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

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Duties and Working Conditions
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Welder-wire process operators work primarily in production and manufacturing plants, joining components and sub-assemblies to make various items using a variety of construction materials.Welding in this branch of the welder trade is restricted to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Submerged Arc Welding ( SAW) and other semiautomatic wire feed welding processes.The welder - wire process operator uses different welding processes and filler metals depending upon the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished mechanical properties.For a typical welding project, they:

join parts together,
may build up worn parts by welding layers of high-strength hard-metal alloys onto them,
follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders, and
clean welds, check for defects and may use a cutting torch.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices, and
Certified Journeypersons.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for a welder - wire process operator is 2 years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year and 1800 hours of on-the-job training in the second year. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Certificate of Achievement).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Welder - Wire Process Operator are: A minimum of 36 months AND 4,950 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. A successful practical exam ($160.00). Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Welder – Wire Process Operator are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam. A successful practical exam ($160.00).

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for a welder - wire process operator is 2 years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year and 1800 hours of on-the-job training in the second year.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Certificate of Achievement).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Welder - Wire Process Operator are:

A minimum of 36 months AND 4,950 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
A successful practical exam ($160.00).

Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Welder – Wire Process Operator are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.
A successful practical exam ($160.00).

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.
Related Trades	Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements. Boilermaker Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Steamfitter-Pipefitter

Category

Information

High School Credit

A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

Boilermaker
Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
Steamfitter-Pipefitter

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order

Trades in Alberta